By Emegwoako C. Paschal
Rev. Fr. Joseph Igweagu, a parish priest in charge of St Joseph’s Parish in Abata Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area of the state, was reported missing on Wednesday, October 12.
He was kidnapped while returning from a Funeral Vigil Mass in Umunnachi in the state’s Njikoka Local Government Are.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, October 18th by the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, the Archdiocese is doing all necessary to ensure his freedom.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha’s Archdiocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr., signed the statement, which was titled “An urgent call for sincere prayer – Re: Kidnap of Rev. Fr. Emeja Prudentius Aroh.
It was unclear, however, whether his kidnappers had contacted him to demand a ransom.
“It is with astonishment but deep hope in God’s love and protection that we notify to the priests, religious, lay faithful, and all men and women of goodwill the abduction of our Priest, Rev. Fr. Parish Priest of St Joseph Parish, Abata Nsugbe, Joseph Igweagu.
“Rev. Fr. Joseph, On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, after attending a funeral vigil mass in Umunnachi, Joseph was abducted as he was making his way home. We humbly ask for your prayers for his unconditional release from his captors. The Onitsha Archdiocese is making every effort to ensure his freedom.
“We call on our Mother Mary, the undoer of knots, to intercede on his behalf so that he will be promptly released unharmed while we pray for the conversion of his captors.”
